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Published on 03/01/1999 All articles from this issue

Letters to the editor

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Speeding fines are 'fund-raising' for police

Your article in the current issue supports my theory that a major part of local police is "fund-raising."

As the article says, "The fines have increased tremendously." As a resident proclaimed, he is glad to see them back and they can hide behind his hedge in his driveway any time.

Being visible would reduce speeders a lot better than "trapping" the few they might catch. If many cars see a police officer by the side of the road, they all slow down.

If they're all speeding, the officer gets one or two and the others continue. The best deterrent is that trailer they park on the street indicating your speed.

I asked a police officer one time "why they don't use it more often?" He said they are too expensive, we can only afford the one." I rest my case. Two "cops," two motorcycles. You could probably buy many "speed trailers" for the same price and probably do a better job. Oh, Oh, I forgot, the trailer can't raise money!

E. F. MansfieldLos Altos

Starr was enforcing the law

Many of us are disappointed to read former Judge Charles Halleck's condemnation of Judge Kenneth Starr (in the Los Altos Town Crier, Feb. 17).

Judge Halleck must acknowledge that Kenneth Starr was performing his assignment in a thorough and professional manner. However, every known legal roadblock was used by Clinton to obstruct the work of his office.

Consider also that the accused party had longstanding sexual problems, had twice committed perjury and had obstructed justice using the power of his office.

We would all have had a lot more respect for Judge Halleck if he had argued that laws need to be enforced and the rights of private individuals respected, rather than trash those who are trying to protect us, by enforcing the law.

Robert Phillips

Los Altos